BYU Football: The offensive line and two other keys to beating Arizona

The Front Seven

While last year’s offense was woeful, last year’s defense was average. They might have been better if the offense had been able to sustain drives and give them rest, but that’s another argument for another day.

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One glaring weakness with last year’s defense was the inability to pressure the quarterback. BYU only managed to sack the quarterback 17 times in 13 games last year.

They also allowed opposing teams to have a 65.8% completion percentage. Much of that came because the quarterback had way too long in the pocket with no pressure.

BYU’s offensive scheme relies on getting backfield pressure without blitzing often. If they can’t get that pressure, the secondary is at a disadvantage. That has to change this year, and it needs to start in Week 1.

But the front seven doesn’t just need to get pressure on the quarterback, they also have to contain him. With Khalil Tate as the Week 1 quarterback, the Cougars are going to have to play assignment-sound defense.

Suddenly I sound like Bronco Mendenhall.

If Tate slips through the cracks and burns BYU with his feet, this will be a long game for the defense and for the team as a whole.